There are few pleasures as simple and satisfying as a thick, chocolatey slice of homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread. The magic here lies in the marriage of rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and sweetly speckled ripe bananas, creating a tender loaf that’s impossible to resist. This is the sort of treat you’ll want to serve for brunch, snack on for an afternoon pick-me-up, or sneak a slice of late at night with a glass of cold milk. It’s gorgeously moist, loaded with just the right touch of chocolate decadence, and always a crowd pleaser!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is how each simple ingredient brings something wonderful to the table. These pantry staples work together to create a loaf that’s fudgy, fragrant, and absolutely unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy backbone of the bread, keeping the texture perfectly balanced.
Cocoa powder: Add deep, chocolatey richness for that brownie-like vibe in every bite.
Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise, giving it a light, tender crumb rather than a dense texture.
Baking powder: Gives an extra lift for a beautifully domed loaf.
Salt: Just a bit is needed to enhance all the sweet and nutty flavors.
Large eggs: Add moisture and structure, ensuring the bread holds together.
Granulated sugar: Lends the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Avocado oil: Keeps the crumb moist and subtly rich, without any overpowering flavor.
Creamy peanut butter (warmed): Melts perfectly into the batter, adding nutty aroma and flavor in every slice.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out the flavors and brings the chocolate and banana notes together.
Mashed ripe bananas: About three large bananas, mashed, are the heart and soul of this recipe for both sweetness and moisture.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides so you can lift out your finished bread with ease. This simple prep step makes everything smoother later on and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. By whisking, you’re getting rid of any lumps and ensuring that the leaveners and cocoa are evenly distributed, so your loaf bakes up perfectly all the way through.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, avocado oil, warmed peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Give this mixture a good 1 to 2 minutes of whisking—they need to be well blended for a smooth, rich batter. Then, stir in the mashed bananas until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Gently work the batter until you no longer see streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix; just fold until everything is perfectly incorporated, keeping the crumb tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the rich, chocolatey batter into your lined loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a cake tester or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Let the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes—this helps it set. Then use the parchment paper to lift out the loaf and finish cooling it on a wire rack. Slice thickly and serve while the sweet, nutty aroma is still lingering in the air!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Garnishes

A loaf this gorgeous deserves a little extra flair! Try dusting the top with powdered sugar, drizzling with a little melted peanut butter, or dotting each slice with a handful of mini chocolate chips right before serving. For a special touch, a swirl of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla yogurt adds dreamy contrast to the fudgy texture.

Side Dishes

Pair a warm slice with a mug of freshly brewed coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a fruity smoothie for a breakfast that feels absolutely indulgent. If you’re serving it for dessert, some vanilla ice cream or berry compote on the side turns this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread into an unforgettable finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your banana bread into a brunch showstopper by slicing and layering it with fresh banana slices and dollops of peanut butter between each piece. For a celebratory vibe, stack cubes on skewers for a fun dessert kebab or wrap slices individually as adorable edible gifts for friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread moist and fresh, wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Leave it at room temperature for up to three days—perfect for snacking all week long!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply wrap slices (or the whole loaf) snugly in plastic wrap and then pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. Label them with the date and freeze for up to three months. When the craving strikes, just grab a slice or two and let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Warm up individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds—just enough to revive that tender texture and aroma. You can also toast slices lightly for a crisp edge and gooey middle that is oh-so-satisfying with a smear of extra peanut butter on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you’d like a peanut-free version. Just use the same amount, and you’ll still get that rich, nutty background flavor.

Why do the bananas need to be ripe?

Very ripe bananas are sweeter and softer, mashing perfectly into the batter to ensure maximum flavor and natural moisture. They’re really what makes Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread so tender and aromatic!

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes! Stir in a cup of chocolate chips or toasted walnuts just before baking for added texture and bite. They both elevate the flavor and provide that extra little surprise in each slice.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

With a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can absolutely adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets. Just remember to double-check your other ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The best way is to insert a cake tester or a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is ready! If the tester has wet batter, give it a few more minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new twist on a timeless classic, it’s hard to top this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread. With every rich, gooey bite, you’ll see why it’s a must-bake for both chocolate lovers and banana bread believers alike. Give it a try and share the cozy, chocolatey joy with those you love!